Latest Blog Posts

Though he's far from his Territorian home at the moment, a local lad turned US based Squadron Leader was recently awarded an Order of Australia Medal in the Military Division.

Squadron Leader Dave Burns received the OAM for "meritorious service to the Royal Australian Air Force in the field of engineering support to training aircraft and maritime patrol capabilities."

And though we recognised some of our local recipients on the Queen's Birthday, Squadron Leader Burns managed to fly under the radar - until now!

"The few of us that are fortunate enough to serve of us overseas here do so mainly on programs that relate to Australian Defence Force aircraft, that we take online from the different US agencies," Squadron Leader Burns said of his role in America.

Mr Burns is a graduate of Leanyer Primary and Darwin High, and also spent time in Maningrida. His father is well known former NT Government minister Chris Burns.

"Dad’s been a great inspiration in my life and has more recently become more prominently known as a politician in the NT.

"But to me he has always been Dad and he’s always taken a great interest in all three of us [kids].

"In particular he’s taught me the value of dedication, hard work and persistence.

He says he brings his Territorian sense of humour to the US role.

Margo planned a special surprise for the Squadron Leader...take a listen to what happened when he reconnected with his primary school principal:

After a dramatic week in Northern Territory politics, are you wondering what’s in store for this week’s sittings?

Richard Margetson this morning spoke with law lecturer and former Labor MLA Ken Parish who said there had been similar turmoil around the 1980s when Ian Tuxworth was deposed as Chief Minister and then throughout Steve Hatton’s time in the top job.

“There was quite a lot of disunity within the party.

“The difference is that they largely kept it within the party at that stage – except at the times when the actual Chief Minister was being deposed, it all came to the surface then,” he said.

“What we’ve had – on and off for the last 18 months really - is continuing public disunity and [it’s come] to a peak over these last couple of weeks, which is not a very fortunate time when you’ve got the Blain by-election coming up.

“It’s a truism because it’s true that disunity in politics is death – something that the Rudd and Gillard Governments found out.”

Richard Margetson also asked Mr Parish what would have happened over the last few days to prepare for this week’s sittings...hear more of the interview by clicking below >>

Yes, this year Charles Darwin University with its predecessor institution the Northern Territory University, celebrate their quarter of a century milestone.

A gala dinner will be held tomorrow night at the Darwin Convention Centre for staff, friends and alumni.

“820 people have signed up to come so I think that gives you an interesting insight into the number of people celebrating,” said Emeritus Professor Charles Webb who is head of the anniversary’s organising committee.

“I think that the university – right from the beginning – was a very strong research engine for the Territory...

“You’ve got a number of areas at CDU that are internationally recognised including the Menzies School of Health Research which is an internationally leading health agency.”

Professor Webb also spoke about the changes that have occurred over the past 25 years >>

Do you catch a few waves when the conditions are right in the wet season? Maybe you’ve tried your hand at paddle boarding or you’re an avid kite surfer?

Whatever reason you’re hitting the water, chances are you may have noticed an increased lifeguard presence in popular spots recently.

In fact, a four week trial of a regular wet season patrol has just wrapped up.

“It’s amazing how many surfboards there are in Darwin,” said Royal Life Saving NT CEO Tony Snelling.

“I think many people are surprised that when there is a wave on at popular places like Nightcliff beach and along that Rapid Creek – Casuarina beach area just how many surfers do come out...

“The other groups of users are the semi-organised groups...that’s mainly the kite surfers and the stand-up paddle boarders”

Mr Snelling said those groups often had protocols in place relating to protection and croc watch, whereas the less organised groups tended to have less adherance to stinger protection.

“The scariest thing we saw was that we’ve actually got local people who go to the beach in bikinis and boardshorts and think that when there’s a bit of surf around it’s safe to go for a swim,” he said.

“There aren’t many people doing that but we certainly found it was the case.”

Are your kids at home with you today? Staying with a friend? Or perhaps you’ve sent them to school as usual, knowing they will still be supervised?

Teachers across the Northern Territory are on strike for a full day, the latest in a skirmish between the profession and the NT Government.

Along with branch secretary of the NT Australian Education Union, Peter Clisby, and Minister for Public Employment, John Elferink, Adam Steer spoke with a range of teachers and parents about their thoughts:

That's your cue to bust out the dance moves to seventies classic ‘Ballroom Blitz’ (we've included the video below should you need a little help...)

Yes, they were certainly glam rock superstars - also famous for tracks like Action and Fox on the Run, as well as their tight leather pants.

And now Sweet - albeit with one original band member - are on their way back to the Top End for a show in the city tonight.

“We have played Darwin a couple of times,” guitarist Andy Scott told Margo on Brekkie.

“We were there certainly in the 90s – one was a very fleeting visit but the other time, because of where you are, we arrived a day early, did the gig and then I think we had the best part of a day the next day.

“I remember going to [the Adelaide River] to see the crocodiles jumping.”

Margo also asked about dressing up in glam rock clothes while in your 60s, as well as going on stage without original band members...tune in below to hear Andy Scott’s thoughts >>